Unsure Future Plans
“Sorry about that.”
Rika, Kiko, and Yuki bowed as they paid the overdue bar tab.
The bartender smiled as he collected their cards.
“It’s ok, I knew you’d be back soon enough. Are you drinking again tonight?”
All three of them nodded.
“So the usual?”
They all gave a thumbs up.
“The usual please.”
“Two Taft’s and a Highball, coming right up.”
They found their usual table and all deflated on top of their stools.
“Maybe it’s because I’m new, but today was really busy.”
Rika nodded sullenly.
“Yeah, it happens in waves, we may be getting busier soon.”
“Any particular reason?”
“Artists and Bands are going on tour and releasing new music around now for the summer. So, more people become interested, and there are more sales.”
“All of which means more work for us...”
Kiko sighed.
“I see a lot of overtime on the horizon.”
Rika patted her on the back.
“Don’t think like that, we’ll be fine. We have Yuki now.”
“We’re still understaffed though. No offense Yuki, you being here helps a ton.”
Yuki waved her hands.
“N-no it’s fine! I’d like to avoid overtime too. And, I could see how having a couple more people would help...”
Kiko sighed heavily.
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
“Well, I’ll do my best!”
Rika smiled and patted her head.
“That’s the spirit!”
The bartender arrived with their drinks.
“Here you go.”
They thanked him and took a sip of their beverages.
“Hey Charles, does it ever get difficult being the only one at the bar, like, when it gets busy?”
The bartender itched his temple and thought for a moment.
“When is gets busy... It can be pretty hectic, but I love working the bar. So, it’s never been too much.”
“Really, what about it do you like so much?”
He thought again for a moment, then continued in his heavy American accent.
“Probably... I get to meet a lot of different people and hear their stories. I also get to see people’s lives play out, and their sides that normally wouldn’t be visible.”
Rika and Yuki both blushed.
The bartender realized what they were thinking and quickly added on to his meaning.
“Ahhhh, a major part it also not listening or paying attention to other’s conversations. Someone once told me that a good bartender is like a therapist.”
Rika and Yuki both sighed in relief, and their blushes faded.
Yuki smiled.
“Besides us, what kind of people show up here?”
“Hmm... Expats looking for a taste of home. Often businesspeople from the offices in the area. University students like the place, I think because it’s different from an Izakaya. I think that’s why most people drink here, you three are regulars, any reasons why you particularly choose my place, not that I’m complaining.”
“I think we come here for a mix of all three of those reasons, more-or-less.”
“I see, I see. Well, I’m always happy to accommodate three of my best customers. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Yuki, Rika, and Kiko waved as he turned and greeted the three university student-looking people who had then walked in.
“Now that’s an interesting job, instead of typing away all day.”
“It sure is... I think it has plenty of downsides though. Many which I couldn’t handle.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he owns this place. If something happens, like a fire, he’s directly at loss. You know? Like sick days must be way more of a pain.”
Kiko giggled.
“Forever thinking like management.”
Rika blushed.
“I can’t help it, it’s my job...”
“And, you’re very good at it.”
Rika smiled.
“I try.”
“I’m confident at some point they’ll offer you a higher position in the company.”
“It’s what I’ve been working for, but it’s sort of a stressful thought.”
Yuki tilted her head.
“Stressful?”
Rika nodded.
“Like, I know what I’m doing right now, because I’ve been doing it so long. Moving up will be like starting from square one again, I’ll be the newbie.”
“Well I haven’t been here long, but it’s not too hard to get in the swing of things I think. Plus, you may have similar responsibilities as you have now.”
Rika smiled slightly, still considering her potential situation.
“Thanks. Also... I won’t get to work near you guys anymore.”
Yuki and Kiko frowned, considering that possibility.
Rika smiled and poked Yuki’s nose.
“I’ll always see you at home though, so no need to frown.”
Yuki blushed at her display of affection, then smiled.
“You’re right. The work day wouldn’t be the same.”
Kiko waved from across the table.
“What about me?”
“We can always get drinks here.”
Kiko raised her can.
“Cheers to that.”
“But really, it’s not worth thinking about. It’s still an ‘if’. The rest is after that. For now, we have a concert to go to this weekend.”
All three of them lifted their drinks and clinked them together.
“Cheers!”
